The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions. Identifying and treating these underlying risk factors for
metabolic syndrome
will reduce your risk of developing heart disease and
type 2 diabetes
.

Screening Guidelines

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) provides guidelines for screening and diagnosing metabolic syndrome. According to the NCEP, you have metabolic syndrome if you have at least three out of five of these conditions:

Central
obesity
—Extra fat tissue is found in the waist area. In men, waist is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters); in women, waist is greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters). Screening may involve:

Fasting glucose test—Your doctor will ask you to fast (not eat) for a few hours prior to the test. A blood sample will be taken from your arm and then tested for glucose levels. Your doctor may want to confirm this finding with the glucose tolerance test.

Glucose tolerance test—Your doctor will measure how well your body can respond to glucose (sugar). First, a blood sample will be taken from your arm and tested for glucose levels before anything is eaten. Then, you will drink a liquid that has glucose (sugar) in it. Blood will then be taken and tested at timed intervals to see how your body deals with the glucose in the blood.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.